A collision with a large truck can leave you with devastating injuries and a damaged vehicle. The special nature of a truck accident allows you to explore different areas for compensation. You may be able to recover the expenses of the collision from the driver, their employer, or the truck’s manufacturer.
In addition to coping with any injuries you may have, the price tag of these disastrous accidents can be overwhelming. When you work with our legal team, you may have the opportunity to seek damages for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and other mounting expenses.
A Carencro truck accident lawyer can help you fully assess the value of your claim following a collision with a large truck. Speak with a dedicated member of our staff by calling Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777.
Passenger Car Occupants Are at Risk in a Collision
When large trucks and passenger cars collide, the occupants in the smaller vehicle are at a much higher risk of serious injuries and fatalities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported 3,405 deaths in large truck versus passenger car accidents in 2018 – a 31 percent increase over the preceding decade.
Many factors can contribute to the severity of an accident between a large truck and a car. Therefore, truck drivers must be adequately trained and have the necessary skill to operate such a large vehicle.
Some elements that can make a truck difficult to operate include:
- Vehicle and load weight
- The time needed to come to a complete stop
- Inclement weather conditions that can impair a trucker’s driving
- The various attachments of a truck (including the trailer or any other equipment used to haul cargo) that impede maneuverability
- Wide turning radius
If you were involved in a collision with a large truck that resulted in serious injuries, you may be entitled to have your injury expenses paid for by the responsible party. If a loved one passed away as a result of this type of accident, you may have the option to file a wrongful death claim.
To learn more about what our legal team can do for you, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 today.
Every Truck Accident is Different
The unique size and shape of a truck can cause accidents that do not typically occur in your average crash.
Such collisions can include:
- Underride: this is where the smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath the truck’s undercarriage
- Jackknifing: impact causes the trailer to bend at an angle against the truck’s cab in an “L” shape
- Lost cargo: loads can break free from the trailer and harm nearby drivers
- Rollover: the force of the crash can cause a vehicle to flip upside down or come to rest on its side
- Explosion: trucks carrying hazardous chemicals can detonate if exposed to extreme heat or flame
The average weight of a commercial truck can hover around 80,000 pounds, according to the Truckers Report. The same source notes that trucks need 40 percent more time than passenger cars to come to a complete stop. Keeping these factors in mind drives home the point that smaller vehicles are often no match for a truck.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with one of these large vehicles, you may be entitled to seek financial recovery. Speaking with a legal professional can provide you with more information on what you can do to solidify your claim.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientYour Police Report Can Tell the Story of Your Accident
You should file a police report as soon as possible after a collision with a large truck. Not only is a police report required by Louisana law if you are injured, but it can also provide a narrative of the accident that caused your injuries.
If you become unconscious or otherwise struggle to recall details about the accident, the police report can provide your lawyer with valuable information, including the name and contact information of the truck driver, their employer, and their insurance company.
The accident report may also contain the following information:
- License plate numbers
- Vehicle registration numbers
- Pictures and diagrams of the accident scene
- Pictures of both vehicles
- Video and audio recordings where available
When you work with our team, our staff can get a copy of the police report and examine how its details are relevant to your situation. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 to speak with a legal professional near you.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientFile Your Claim for Financial Recovery Now
In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim for financial compensation. However, who was involved in your accident may alter this timeline. When working with a legal team, you can better understand what these variables may mean for you.
Your lawyer may be able to start building a comprehensive and successful claim while you concentrate on your physical recovery.
Some of the services that a Carencro truck accident lawyer can provide include:
- Initiating prompt legal action
- Investigating the cause of your accident
- Gathering evidence to bolster your account of events
- Negotiating for a fair settlement with the responsible party
- Representing you in court, if necessary
We recommend that you do not agree to any settlements before you speak with a member of our team. Should you accept compensation from the responsible party, you will be unable to seek future litigation.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientReview Your Financial Compensation Options in a Large Truck Accident
Were you injured in a collision with a large truck? If so, you may find yourself unable to return to your regular job or even participate in day-to-day activities. Full physical and emotional recovery can take months. When you trust your large truck accident case to a lawyer, filing a claim for financial compensation does not have to be a hassle.
Do not let time run out on your right to file a claim for your accident-related bills and expenses. To speak to a member of our team about your financial damages, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777.
